How to Write a Winning Dissertation Proposal (Step-by-Step)

How to Write a Winning Dissertation Proposal (Approved First Try)

80% of proposals get rejected on first submission. Nail yours with this proven system.

Step 1: Nail the Research Gap (1 Hour)

Find what’s missing. Use Google Scholar: “2023–2025 + [topic] + gap”

Step 2: Craft a Sharp Problem Statement

1 paragraph: What’s wrong? Why it matters? Who cares?

Step 3: Use SpeedyPaper for Lit Review

50 sources to read? Get a pro summary at SpeedyPaper — save 20 hours.

“SpeedyPaper summarized 40 papers. My proposal passed in 1 week.” – Dr. Anna, PhD Candidate

Step 4: Outline in 30 Min

1. Intro + problem
2. Research questions (3 max)
3. Methodology preview
4. Timeline + budget
5. Expected contribution

Step 5: Write in 3 Days

• Day 1: Intro + gap
• Day 2: Lit + methods
• Day 3: Timeline + edit

Step 6: Get Advisor Feedback Early

Send draft at 70%. Revise before final.

Final Checklist

• Under 15 pages?
• APA/MLA perfect?
• 3 RQs clear?
• Submitted 1 week early?

Proposal due soon? Let SpeedyPaper write the lit review

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